This is the latest in their first party accessories and is due around the end of October for USD $59.99.
The wireless headset will use the same 2.4 Ghz technology found in the Xbox 360 wireless controller. The headset will pair directly with the Xbox 360 console by using a similar process as you would to pair a wireless controller to the Xbox 360. You will be able to have four controllers and four wireless headsets all tied to a single console though Microsoft has said their pairing technology can actually handle around 40 wireless devices.
The range of the headset is similar to the controller, 30 feet in open air. If the signal has to pass through walls or if there are other 2.4 Ghz devices in the area (wireless phone, wireless networking, wireless security systems etc), the range could be decreased. Typically 30 feet is fine for a controller since you wouldn't normally walk around with it, but a wireless headset lets you go to the kitchen to grab a beer while you're in the lobby smack talking your opponents. So range cutting obstacles may become more of an issue with the headset. You can test your range now, if you use a wired headset and walk around with your controller, at the distance the controller cuts out is about where your headset will reach as well.
The battery life of the wireless headset is said to be eight hours of 'talk time'. The headset will not use the same battery packs as the controllers for quick swap, you will in fact have to plug the headset into the supplied wall charger. I personally would have liked for it to have some type of quick swap battery pack. The controller battery pack is probably too heavy to hang off your ear, but I can game for more than eight hours at a time on a weekend day. I guess I'll need to keep my Plantronics around for when the wireless headset needs to recharge while I'm still gaming.
You would think wearing a headset for 8 hours though would be uncomfortable. Microsoft has designed this headset with comfort in mind. The ear piece is elastic to secure it to your ear tight enough that it stays there but not so tight that you feel it squeezing causing discomfort over time. There are 2 different size ear pieces for the foam part that sits inside your ear for maximum comfort. The mic has a stubby arm, it will sit about mid cheek rather than in front of your mouth like the wired headset so you shouldn't be able to hear people breathing into the mic anymore. The arm is made out of a flexible rubber material like the ear piece so it won't push against your face, again for comfort sake.
As for the voice quality, Microsoft has gone on record as saying that there is a dramatic improvement over the wired headset. Since it's powered, I'm speculating that it may have some noise cancellation technology in it to filter out background noise and enhance your own for transmission.
Microsoft does it again with another first party must have Xbox 360 accessory.
